English wine is gaining significantly in popularity and interest is at an all-time high. Production may still be relatively small compared to the established wine growing countries and regions, but there’s little doubt that with steadily warming temperatures and the increasing levels of investment and expertise, English wine is a coming force and is now starting to rival wines around the world. English vineyards are now winning prestigious awards, including Winbirri Vineyards in Norfolk scooping one of the most coveted medals at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards just last week.
English Wine Week is just around the corner, a national campaign designed to raise awareness of English wine across the country through retail outlets – from supermarkets to independent wine merchants, delicatessens to hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants. Vineyards across the country will also be opening their doors to welcome visitors, offering tours, tastings and special offers. There will be a wide range of activities which take place across the country to celebrate English Wine Week.
Champagne Taittinger
In an interesting sign of the development and growing reputation of English wine the well-known French winemaker Champagne Taittinger has a taken a 55% stake in a new vineyard being planted in Kent. 40 hectares will be planted over the next two or three years, but sadly we’ll have to wait until 2023 for the first wine to be released as the vines need time to grow and the wines will be aged for at least three years. Shame!
One Million Vines To Be Planted
It’s not only Champagne Taittinger who is busy planting vines. This year, an estimated one million vines will be planted, the largest number of vines ever planted in a single year in the UK according to English Wine Producers.
The recent late frosts in April affected a number of English vineyards, along with many in France and Italy too. It seems it’s too early to say what affect this will have on production and prices, as producers won’t know until it comes to flowering. Also, as sparkling wine forms the majority of production in England is aged for several years before being released, the effects of any loss in production won’t be felt by consumers until around 2020.
Whatever the short-term weather related issues, confidence is riding high in the developing English and Welsh wine industry at the moment. As a supplier to the industry and someone who is partial to the odd glass of English wine myself, long may it continue!
Look out for events taking place in your area as English Wine Week gets underway on the 27th May. And don’t forget to follow #EnglishWineWeek on twitter @englishwine and @englishwineweek!
Related Articles.
Remembrance Day History
By Chris Thompson • November 10th, 2022Remembrance Day is commemorated every year on the 11th of November but what is the History behind the significant and special day? Why? Remembrance Day is the day we remember the lives lost during the First World War and when Germany officially surrendered on the 11th hour on the 11th of November 1918 and then […]
Read more...Recycle Week
By Chris Thompson • September 21st, 2022Next week is recycle week for the 19th time in its history of running. Recycling week is extremely important to us as a company and vitally important to the world and the environment around us and you the reader. ‘Let’s get real about recycling’ Let’s get real about recycling is the theme of this year’s […]
Read more...Custom and Printed Cardboard Boxes
By Dan Alexander • September 1st, 2022As well as a custom bag service we also offer custom cardboard boxes that are suited and bespoke to your needs. Choose between box sizes and custom box printing or even combine the two! Custom boxes are a fantastic way to give your customers an unforgettable unboxing experience whilst highlighting your brand. What we can […]
Read more...Back to blog